FOXBORO - Here are five quick takeaways from Thursday night's preseason finale between the Patriots and Giants. . .
1. BRISSETT LOOKS SHARP
Besides a first-quarter pick-six that was partly the result of a failed Conor McDermott cut block, Brissett was phenomenal. The second-year quarterback got the Patriots on the board with a touchdown on their opening drive thanks to a pair of excellent grabs by twins Jacob and Cody Hollister. Brissett bounced back from the pick-six with an impressive second-quarter touchdown drive, a flawless TD pass in the third, and both a rushing and passing TD in the fourth. If Brissett was in any danger of making the team, his performance Thursday night certainly helped his cause.
2. CYRUS JONES GOES DOWN
A week after Julian Edelman went down with a non-contact knee injury, Cyrus Jones did the same. The second-year cornerback out of Alabama had his knee buckle while running down the sideline to cover Travis Rudolph and did not return. He will undergo an MRI Friday morning, and we'll have more information on the injury as soon as possible.
MORE:
- Belichick on final cuts: Always hard, but it can't work out for everybody
- Best and worst: Brissett finishes off his summer with a flourish
- Who should return punts if Jones is done for the season?
- Did Jacoby Brissett earn a roster spot?
3. GRISSOM MAKES CASE FOR A ROSTER SPOT
New England Patriots
With defensive ends Adam Butler and Harvey Langi likely locking down roster spots, Geneo Grissom was one of the Patriots fighting for a job. Grissom made his presence felt early, taking down Giants quarterback Geno Smith for a sack in the first quarter. He didn't do much in the box score for the rest of the game, but he did continue to put consistent pressure on the passer that didn't go unnoticed.
4. CARR LEAVES LASTING IMPRESSION
Speaking of fighting for a job, wide receiver Austin Carr did everything he could to make his own case for a roster spot. The undrafted rookie finished off what has been an excellent camp and preseason by racking up three catches for 48 yards and a touchdown. It should go without saying at this point that if Carr doesn't make the squad, it will be due to the Patriots' receiving depth and not a lack of skill.
5. DEFENSE STARTS POORLY, BUT FINISHES STRONG
The Patriots defense didn't have much of an answer for anything the Giants threw at them in the first half as they gave up a whopping 34 points. They settled down big time in the second half, though, allowing just two field goals. Unfortunately, the latter of those field goals sealed the Giants' 40-38 victory.